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FIVE Simple Ways to Go “Green” When Gardening

Jun 30, 2017 12:11PM ● By Chenille Williams

 

Having a beautiful garden and protecting the environment can go hand in hand. While it doesn’t take much to want to go “green,” getting started can be intimidating. Simple gardening practices, such as installing a rain barrel or reducing pesticide use by composting, can be effective in conserving natural resources, creating habitats, and keeping waterways clean. Take one of these five tips to get started.

1.    Install a rain barrel to collect rain from a rooftop and use it to water plants. Rain barrels can be easily built by cutting the top off a large, food-grade opaque barrel and covering the opening with a fine mesh to keep out mosquitos. Drill a hole at the bottom of the barrel to attach a spigot and a hole near the top of the barrel to insert an overflow tube. Elevate the rain barrel to allow gravity to force the water out the spigot and ensure the overflow spout is pointed away from the house’s foundation. The rain barrel can be connected to a downspout gutter or placed under a roof corner where water runs off.

2.    Plant native plants to create a backyard ecosystem. Plants like bee balm, butterfly milkweed, coneflowers, and Dahoon Holly are natural to this region and acclimated to local climate patterns and soil conditions. Including native plants in a garden promotes a healthy ecosystem by encouraging pollinators and providing food and habitat for local birds and critters.

3.    Compost to save money and reduce fertilizer use. Compost is a soil additive made from decomposing organic materials, usually food waste and lawn debris. Because compost contains nutrients plants need, it can be used in place of fertilizer. Composting is pressure-free and only requires patience and consistency. Use a container or create a pile in the yard where food scraps can be added and covered with leaves. Eventually, compost happens.

4.    Opt for wetland plants over rain garden plants in extremely wet spots. A common misconception about rain gardens is that they should be planted in areas with poor drainage. However, rain gardens require well-drained soil and are not the best option for areas that remain wet. As an alternative, create a garden using plants like swamp sunflower or river birches that prefer poorly drained soils.

5.    Don’t have a yard? Try a container garden. Even if yard space is plentiful, planting in a container can add an element of creativity to a garden. Any plant, even trees, can be planted in a container; and any container can be used as long as it drains water well (create drainage holes, if necessary). The plant will need plenty of room to grow and a nutrient additive, like compost or fertilizer. To create a visually appealing arrangement in a single container, include a plant that spills over the edge to soften the edges, a plant that fills the container and provides height, and a plant that creates the “wow” factor.

With just a few simple action steps, sustainability and gardening can become best friends.      

Chenille Williams is the education program coordinator for Richland County. For more information about “green” gardening, contact Williams at 803-576-2491 or [email protected].   

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